Leica M11 as a wedding camera

The Leica M11 as a wedding camera is fantastic. Paired with a 35mm f1.4 Summilux lens, that is pretty much all you need!

The M11 is the first rangefinder with a built in back-up in case of card failure or corruption. Having said that I have only had one card corruption in 1500 weddings, so its only a small risk but a risk never the less. I now feel able to use a rangefinder for a whole wedding.

I long ago realised that around 35mm was my most used focal length at weddings, combined with the ‘crop-ability’ of the M11, it is a perfect set-up. I do also have a 21 Super Elmar for those very wide moments that are sometimes required!

Cropping – there is nothing wrong with cropping! For most weddings a 4000pixel wide image is plenty and will print happily to 30″ wide. Let’s face it most couples will only ever see their pictures on a small device!

The Good Points

Quiet, discreet, built in back up, great battery life, Manual focus, crop-able, compact. Manual focus. Great lenses.

The not so good

Manual focus. Affording two bodies could be challenging for many.

You will see manual focus is listed under good and bad! Some shots and some in very dark conditions may be more suited to A.F. although on the whole I find manual focus is easier.

Hand Grips Many reviewers (who generally use other systems) complain about the lack of a finger grip. With a Leica M there is personal choice, not just what the manufacturer builds in, that may not be suited to you!

The Hand Grip. Holding comfort is a personal thing. I can use the camera on it’s own but the hand grip makes it more comfortable over longer periods. The built in Arca Swiss plate makes it simple when a tripod is required.

The thumb grip is popular with many photographers however I find it tends to project out of the rear and annoy me!

Leather Half Case. Many available with and without finger grips.

Battery life seems adequate, I do have a two spares and don’t chimp too much!

The shutter is very discreet, not at Leica Q levels but still very quiet. Ideal for weddings!

Weight  Over the years we have moved from 6×6 medium format, through Nikon Professional and onto Fuji. The Leica is a real breath of fresh air.

Back Up Camera(s) When doing a paid job having a back-up is essential. If a second M body works too expensive, another mirrorless body is often the answer. I find a Fuji X series with a Leica lens adaptor does well.